(The following is a statement from the American High Speed Rail Alliance (AHSRA) regarding the Obama Administration's announcement regarding a $53 billion investment in high-speed rail.)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — "The American High Speed Rail Alliance (AHSRA) applauds the Administration's commitment to the development of a national high speed rail network and $53 billion in High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) funding in a 6 year surface transportation re-authorization bill.

"The Alliance supports the Administration's commitment to HSR and will work to help Congress and the Administration achieve a dramatic expansion of fast, efficient, environmentally-friendly, congestion-reducing intercity passenger rail in America. AHSRA welcomes the integration of an intercity passenger rail program into the surface transportation re-authorization process and, most importantly, the Alliance supports the administration's announcement that: ‘The proposal will open the door to new public-private partnerships, and attract significant private investment in developing and operating passenger rail corridors.’

“The Alliance will continue its efforts to create a positive climate for PPP-financed HSR projects by launching a new PPP High Speed Rail Council that will work to develop opportunities for private investment and participation in passenger rail corridors in the United States."

The American High Speed Rail Alliance is a non-profit advocacy organization whose members are dedicated to creating and sustaining a clean and energy-efficient advanced national high speed passenger rail system in the United States. The AHSRA works on behalf of, and in partnership with, its members and other like-minded stakeholders to support policies and execute programs that ensure the creation and operation of a world-class high speed rail system that is interconnected with all passenger transportation systems throughout the United States. For more information, visit: www.americanhsra.org.